The role of socioeconomic status in uterine fibroid awareness and treatment: a narrative review.

Uterine fibroids, known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous tumors in women. Uterine fibroids disproportionately affect African American women, as they are more common and severe. Uterine fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy in African American women. Over 80% of African American women will receive a uterine fibroids diagnosis before 50. Myomectomies (removal of uterine fibroids) and hysterectomies (removal of the uterus) are more prevalent in African American women due to more significant symptoms. Socioeconomic status, including education and income, influences access to healthcare, with some treatments directly affected by insurance coverage and the cost of the procedure. This review aimed to characterize the socioeconomic disparities and inequities regarding uterine fibroids awareness, perceptions, and treatment and to understand how socioeconomic status impacts knowledge and treatment of uterine fibroids. Recognition of the treatment barriers and decisions due to socioeconomic status is a critical step in ensuring equitable treatment options for women diagnosed with uterine fibroids. A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, MedLine, and Google Scholar. A total of 98 articles were returned. After adjusting for the exclusion criteria, 10 articles were included in this review. The review demonstrated the disparities in treatment options based on race and socioeconomic status. Low-income women were more likely to receive more invasive treatment, which resulted in more time off work and increased medical bills. In addition, women in lower-income brackets frequented the emergency department at an increased level. This review underscored the need for additional research to learn about the role of socioeconomic status in uterine fibroid awareness and treatment.